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Laura Meets Jeffrey: Both Sides of an Erotic Memoir
LAURA MEETS JEFFREY while she’s working in an upscale New York City brothel in 1980 and they share an apocalyptic moment. It’s love at first orgasm. And so begins their double lives in a real life version of Fifty Shades Of Grey.
LAURA MEETS JEFFREY is a love story, a name-dropping, hilarious, shameless erotic cyclone, a documentary of the excesses, dangers and extreme edges of sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, and a close-up personal history of sexual liberation’s primetime.
At dinner parties she’s known as a witty lingerie model and jewelry artisan, and a famous film director’s ex-lover. He’s her media wizard boyfriend, a designer discovered by John Lennon who worked for John & Yoko, Apple Records and the Rolling Stones, and then created Puritan, the world’s largest-selling explicit sex magazine. On weekends he boxes with Ryan O’Neal and Jose Torres.
And at night, in the erotic demimondes of New York, Miami and LA, Laura and Jeffrey romp through waves of drugs and lascivious exploration and dive into S&M, porn star threesomes, orgies, glory holes and sex clubs as our unquenchable libidomaniacs fulfill their wildest fantasies.
The late Norman Mailer wrote the Foreword to LAURA MEETS JEFFREY and considered his famous interview with Jeffrey and Laura on “Ethics and Pornography,” excerpted as a bonus chapter in this book, one of the best of the more than 600 he gave in his lifetime. Besides bequeathing the Foreword, Mailer gave guidance to this account of two lovers, who missed none of the wild era just before the door slammed shut on sexual freedom and aren’t afraid to reveal all of it.
Introduction by legendary punk journalist Legs McNeil.
LAURA MEETS JEFFREY is a love story, a name-dropping, hilarious, shameless erotic cyclone, a documentary of the excesses, dangers and extreme edges of sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, and a close-up personal history of sexual liberation’s primetime.
At dinner parties she’s known as a witty lingerie model and jewelry artisan, and a famous film director’s ex-lover. He’s her media wizard boyfriend, a designer discovered by John Lennon who worked for John & Yoko, Apple Records and the Rolling Stones, and then created Puritan, the world’s largest-selling explicit sex magazine. On weekends he boxes with Ryan O’Neal and Jose Torres.
And at night, in the erotic demimondes of New York, Miami and LA, Laura and Jeffrey romp through waves of drugs and lascivious exploration and dive into S&M, porn star threesomes, orgies, glory holes and sex clubs as our unquenchable libidomaniacs fulfill their wildest fantasies.
The late Norman Mailer wrote the Foreword to LAURA MEETS JEFFREY and considered his famous interview with Jeffrey and Laura on “Ethics and Pornography,” excerpted as a bonus chapter in this book, one of the best of the more than 600 he gave in his lifetime. Besides bequeathing the Foreword, Mailer gave guidance to this account of two lovers, who missed none of the wild era just before the door slammed shut on sexual freedom and aren’t afraid to reveal all of it.
Introduction by legendary punk journalist Legs McNeil.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2012
5 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Michelson
3 books11 followersJeffrey Michelson is a journalist, media wizard, former Apple Records advertising designer, former sex magazine editor, and enthusiastic spokesperson for an era when drugs were hip, rock was exploding & sex didn't kill you.
Two geniuses shaped Jeffrey's life. In 1967, he was houseboy and sparring partner to Norman Mailer and they remained close friends. In 1970, John Lennon chose Jeffrey's ad campaign for his album Imagine and asked Jeffrey to design Apple Records' media. In 1976, Jeffrey created Puritan and guided the explicit sex magazine to respect with outstanding photography and revealing interviews with heavy hitters like Mailer, Timothy Leary, Tennessee Williams, Terry Southern and Hunter S. Thompson.
In the mid 1980s in London, Jeffrey fronted the cult-favorite rock band Max & The Broadway Metal Choir. In 1984 he also produced Artcore, a hard-core erotic coffee table book photographed in Paris, London and Los Angeles. While shooting in L.A. he was arrested for pornography and faced a mandatory three-year sentence until the California Supreme Court ruled he was not only "not guilty" but "factually innocent."
Jeffrey retired in 2009, after two decades of directing TV commercials, to work on his horse ranch, grow organic vegetables, and finish his book, Laura Meets Jeffrey.
Two geniuses shaped Jeffrey's life. In 1967, he was houseboy and sparring partner to Norman Mailer and they remained close friends. In 1970, John Lennon chose Jeffrey's ad campaign for his album Imagine and asked Jeffrey to design Apple Records' media. In 1976, Jeffrey created Puritan and guided the explicit sex magazine to respect with outstanding photography and revealing interviews with heavy hitters like Mailer, Timothy Leary, Tennessee Williams, Terry Southern and Hunter S. Thompson.
In the mid 1980s in London, Jeffrey fronted the cult-favorite rock band Max & The Broadway Metal Choir. In 1984 he also produced Artcore, a hard-core erotic coffee table book photographed in Paris, London and Los Angeles. While shooting in L.A. he was arrested for pornography and faced a mandatory three-year sentence until the California Supreme Court ruled he was not only "not guilty" but "factually innocent."
Jeffrey retired in 2009, after two decades of directing TV commercials, to work on his horse ranch, grow organic vegetables, and finish his book, Laura Meets Jeffrey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 18, 2012
First and foremost, this is a GREAT read. Jeffrey knows what he wants to say and he knows how to say it. I love his honesty about his lifestyle and the things he did. The segments added by Laura are a perfect companion to the main narrative. It's not often that we get both sides of a story and this book is better for it.
Sex, drugs, and BDSM - although not as much BDSM as I expected - and that's fine. There is a LOT of sex in this book. I only WISH I had the stamina and energy that Jeffrey has as he fucks his way through the New York City orgy scene of the late 70s and early 80s, and apparently half the women of New York, before the time of AIDS and herpes.
The tale is peppered with celebrity encounters, from boxing Ryan O'Neal to an AWESOME fanboy moment with John Lennon. Norman Mailer also appears throughout the book, and had considerable influence over the lives of our intrepid authors.
Women will cream their jeans over this book, and men will wish him dead of some horrible disease.
just kidding - it was a GREAT book, funny, sexy and very well-written and I recommend it to one and all.
Sex, drugs, and BDSM - although not as much BDSM as I expected - and that's fine. There is a LOT of sex in this book. I only WISH I had the stamina and energy that Jeffrey has as he fucks his way through the New York City orgy scene of the late 70s and early 80s, and apparently half the women of New York, before the time of AIDS and herpes.
The tale is peppered with celebrity encounters, from boxing Ryan O'Neal to an AWESOME fanboy moment with John Lennon. Norman Mailer also appears throughout the book, and had considerable influence over the lives of our intrepid authors.
Women will cream their jeans over this book, and men will wish him dead of some horrible disease.
just kidding - it was a GREAT book, funny, sexy and very well-written and I recommend it to one and all.
January 10, 2013
Wow. Just WOW. I don't even know what to say about this book but I am going to write the review now since I just finished it as everything is fresh in my mind. In good conscience, I can't give this book any more than two stars as I did not enjoy reading it. It was one star until the end when Jeffrey looked in the mirror in the bathroom after taking a piss with the whip in his hand and saw the sadness in his eyes and realized that he and Laura were over. That's what elevated this to two stars for me. However, that being said, I am going to write a thoroughly honest and comprehensive review to make up for the fact that I found it "just ok". I am going to state for the record that I READ A LOT OF EROTICA, so I don't want anyone chalking this up to "oh, she's just not used to reading that kind of thing".
I am not going to mark any of this as spoilers since you as the reader can easily Google this book and find out that Jeffrey and Laura DID in fact break up, so it's not a secret that they did not make it. However, this is one of the most disturbing, thought-provoking and era-appropriate novels I've ever read. I say novel for two reasons; 1) Norman Mailer suggested that Michelson change it to a novel instead of memoirs (yes, I read the afterword!); and 2) I had absolutely NO FREAKING CLUE that these people were real until probably the 50% mark in the book.
First, I am going to cover the good.
At the tender age of 38 (ha), I can't even comprehend what it was like to live in a world where herpes and AIDS were unknowns and condoms were not kept in the average single person's nightstand drawer at all times. I just can't even envision it...or at least, I couldn't until this book. This book has more accurately captured the spirits and the feelings and the attitudes of the late 1970s/early 1980s more than anything I have ever read. It reminded me so much of the movie Studio 54. I admit freely that I don't know ANYTHING about coke. I was having to Google what I didn't know for almost every reference to cocaine, freebasing, anything really except pot. The whole scene with Yoko Ono and the washing machine repairman was one of the funniest I have read. I think Yoko Ono is an idiot anyway, so that just made me laugh harder. I hate to reference another movie in a review, but this book also reminded me time and time again of Leaving Las Vegas, probably because Nicolas Cage's character Ben's addiction to alcohol reminded me SO MUCH of Laura's addiction to cocaine and the constant stream of passages from Laura's recollection of her relationship with Jeffrey reminded me of the solo monologues that Elisabeth Shue (Sera) performed in the movie to discuss why she had sex for money and her relationship with Ben. I thought it was highly interesting every time that the author digressed from the book itself to discuss something that might not be familiar to the reader (e.g., Chapter 7 which covers everything and anything having to do with anal sex, sodomy and rim jobs) from a man's perspective. The book began before he met Laura, covered his entire relationship with Laura, and ended after he broke it off with Laura. It even covered where he is in his life and where she is in her life.
Now, what I did NOT like. Jeffrey, I know you are going to more than likely read this review, as well as your publisher, and I am sorry if this offends you. However, I was the first one on Good Reads to offer to review this book and I am going to be honest about it. This type of book IS my kind of thing...you had posted to another reader something to the effect of not posting something negative if it "wasn't her thing", and I am here to tell you that this IS my thing. I just didn't like this book. I know that you lived it. I know it was a defining time in your life. I give you kudos for putting it all out there, BUT I AM GOING TO BE HONEST.
1) Jeffrey, do you have any idea what a jerk you come off as with your comments about your sexual prowess? THROUGHOUT THE BOOK, man. Guess what? It wasn't hot, it wasn't sexy and it did NOTHING for me. Quote: "We come home from some sordid public display and I am steel rod insatiable for the rest of the night, shooting come every hour or three in one hole after another." I don't know if I would have felt the same way about that line if I had known you were fictional or real, but it was absolutely revolting TO ME. Laura is not a HOLE.
2) Laura irritated me throughout the whole book. "At least you can't get herpes from being whipped." That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. She was selfish, self-absorbed, and all she cared about was getting fucked by as many guys as possible, getting beaten within an inch of her life so the pain would distract her from all her issues, getting high as often and as HIGH as possible, and (quote) having as many different guys "deposit come" in her as possible. I have never heard of anything so disgusting.
3) Really? A GOLDEN SHOWER!? REVOLTING!
4) I swear to God I almost put this book on my DO NOT FINISH shelf when I had to shut it down after reading about rimming again. When I read the passage about that woman going down on you after you drilled her in the ass, I thought I was going to vomit.
5) Yeah. The name-dropping got REALLY REALLY BORING AFTER A WHILE.
I really think I need to stop before I go on repeatedly about the things that bugged me. I can't believe you got jealous when she was with a real Dom (Mr. Tall, I think?) because let me tell you, in this relationship, SHE was the Dom/Domme. NOT YOU. There is nothing wrong with that, but don't try to pretend you are something you are not. It's just pathetic.
When I first added this to my to-read shelf, it was advertised as "the real Fifty Shades of Grey". I have no idea who came up with that comparison, but Mr. Michelson, you are NOTHING LIKE CHRISTIAN GREY. PERIOD. And this book is nothing like Fifty Shades of Grey.
I thank you and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review it for you. Again, I applaud you for writing down something that was clearly so personal to you. I wish you and Andrea the best of luck, I am glad that you and Laura have reconnected again by the writing of this book, and most of all, I am so happy that both of you got off drugs and stopped practicing S&M if you could not do it with pleasure and safety.
I am not going to mark any of this as spoilers since you as the reader can easily Google this book and find out that Jeffrey and Laura DID in fact break up, so it's not a secret that they did not make it. However, this is one of the most disturbing, thought-provoking and era-appropriate novels I've ever read. I say novel for two reasons; 1) Norman Mailer suggested that Michelson change it to a novel instead of memoirs (yes, I read the afterword!); and 2) I had absolutely NO FREAKING CLUE that these people were real until probably the 50% mark in the book.
First, I am going to cover the good.
At the tender age of 38 (ha), I can't even comprehend what it was like to live in a world where herpes and AIDS were unknowns and condoms were not kept in the average single person's nightstand drawer at all times. I just can't even envision it...or at least, I couldn't until this book. This book has more accurately captured the spirits and the feelings and the attitudes of the late 1970s/early 1980s more than anything I have ever read. It reminded me so much of the movie Studio 54. I admit freely that I don't know ANYTHING about coke. I was having to Google what I didn't know for almost every reference to cocaine, freebasing, anything really except pot. The whole scene with Yoko Ono and the washing machine repairman was one of the funniest I have read. I think Yoko Ono is an idiot anyway, so that just made me laugh harder. I hate to reference another movie in a review, but this book also reminded me time and time again of Leaving Las Vegas, probably because Nicolas Cage's character Ben's addiction to alcohol reminded me SO MUCH of Laura's addiction to cocaine and the constant stream of passages from Laura's recollection of her relationship with Jeffrey reminded me of the solo monologues that Elisabeth Shue (Sera) performed in the movie to discuss why she had sex for money and her relationship with Ben. I thought it was highly interesting every time that the author digressed from the book itself to discuss something that might not be familiar to the reader (e.g., Chapter 7 which covers everything and anything having to do with anal sex, sodomy and rim jobs) from a man's perspective. The book began before he met Laura, covered his entire relationship with Laura, and ended after he broke it off with Laura. It even covered where he is in his life and where she is in her life.
Now, what I did NOT like. Jeffrey, I know you are going to more than likely read this review, as well as your publisher, and I am sorry if this offends you. However, I was the first one on Good Reads to offer to review this book and I am going to be honest about it. This type of book IS my kind of thing...you had posted to another reader something to the effect of not posting something negative if it "wasn't her thing", and I am here to tell you that this IS my thing. I just didn't like this book. I know that you lived it. I know it was a defining time in your life. I give you kudos for putting it all out there, BUT I AM GOING TO BE HONEST.
1) Jeffrey, do you have any idea what a jerk you come off as with your comments about your sexual prowess? THROUGHOUT THE BOOK, man. Guess what? It wasn't hot, it wasn't sexy and it did NOTHING for me. Quote: "We come home from some sordid public display and I am steel rod insatiable for the rest of the night, shooting come every hour or three in one hole after another." I don't know if I would have felt the same way about that line if I had known you were fictional or real, but it was absolutely revolting TO ME. Laura is not a HOLE.
2) Laura irritated me throughout the whole book. "At least you can't get herpes from being whipped." That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. She was selfish, self-absorbed, and all she cared about was getting fucked by as many guys as possible, getting beaten within an inch of her life so the pain would distract her from all her issues, getting high as often and as HIGH as possible, and (quote) having as many different guys "deposit come" in her as possible. I have never heard of anything so disgusting.
3) Really? A GOLDEN SHOWER!? REVOLTING!
4) I swear to God I almost put this book on my DO NOT FINISH shelf when I had to shut it down after reading about rimming again. When I read the passage about that woman going down on you after you drilled her in the ass, I thought I was going to vomit.
5) Yeah. The name-dropping got REALLY REALLY BORING AFTER A WHILE.
I really think I need to stop before I go on repeatedly about the things that bugged me. I can't believe you got jealous when she was with a real Dom (Mr. Tall, I think?) because let me tell you, in this relationship, SHE was the Dom/Domme. NOT YOU. There is nothing wrong with that, but don't try to pretend you are something you are not. It's just pathetic.
When I first added this to my to-read shelf, it was advertised as "the real Fifty Shades of Grey". I have no idea who came up with that comparison, but Mr. Michelson, you are NOTHING LIKE CHRISTIAN GREY. PERIOD. And this book is nothing like Fifty Shades of Grey.
I thank you and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review it for you. Again, I applaud you for writing down something that was clearly so personal to you. I wish you and Andrea the best of luck, I am glad that you and Laura have reconnected again by the writing of this book, and most of all, I am so happy that both of you got off drugs and stopped practicing S&M if you could not do it with pleasure and safety.
June 27, 2012
Every single one of my friends was reading Fifty Shades of Grey so I did too. It was OK for a few chapters but then the bad writing got to me “down there” as E.L. James calls that place, over and over and over again. I made it to the end but it dragged much of the way. I couldn’t possibly read the other two books. I kept waiting for it to get better but it just kept getting the same. I said to myself that Fifty Shades of Grey was the last S&M book I was ever going to read.
Then a few weeks ago I was with my boyfriend at his friend’s house watching Dr. Susan Block’s show on the computer (Yes, I watch porn occasionally, what’s it to you?) and she keeps going on about this book Laura Meets Jeffrey and how the writing is great, how the sex is hotter than Fifty Shades of Grey, and how it was written by both a woman and a man, Laura and Jeffrey, and how because it’s a memoir everything in it actually happened and it’s actually true.
After she read some of Laura Meets Jeffrey on the show I had to go to Amazon and buy the Kindle version. I finished it in a couple days. I could hardly put it down. It’s definitely a love story, but it’s real raw and it’s also the horniest book I ever read.
Laura Meets Jeffrey is what Fifty Shades of Grey wishes it could be. Fifty Shades appeals to mostly women and some men like it, too, but Laura Meets Jeffrey, I think, appeals equally to both. My boyfriend couldn’t get through Fifty Shades but devoured Laura Meets Jeffrey (and then he devoured me more than usual, which I liked.)
In Fifty Shades, Anastasia Steele is an innocent virgin, and in LMJ Laura Bradley is a whore and a nymphomaniac. I know who I can identify with. Anonymous sex with multiple guys? That’s my fantasy. I’m there!
All the naughty stuff in Fifty happens behind closed doors but in LMJ half of it is in public (!) at BDSM clubs, orgies and adult bookstores. OMG! Glory holes are these actual holes in adult bookstores that people have sex through. I can’t imagine myself doing this, but this book made me feel like I was there
Fifty is a fantasy from the mind of a female author and LMJ is written from the recollections of both the real-life master and the real-life slave. Fifty Shades is badly written fiction and Laura Meets Jeffrey is well written non-fiction. Fifty takes place in the recent post-AIDS past in Seattle when everybody’s on caffeine and organic kale and LMJ tales place in the wild time in the early 1980s when everyone was on the pill and/or drugs. Drugs are not part of Fifty, but way too much coke flows all through LMJ. Neither are there any real or fake celebrities in Fifty, but LMJ is filled with real life celebrity encounters as Laura’s and Jeffrey’s jobs take them inside the worlds of John & Yoko, Timothy Leary, Norman Mailer, Bruce Springsteen, Little Richard and George Harrison.
And while everybody knows about Fifty Shades of Grey, this is probably the first time you’ve read about Laura Meets Jeffrey. If dominance and submission interests you, and you want to know more about how it really happened to two real people, do yourself and read Laura Meets Jeffrey.
Then a few weeks ago I was with my boyfriend at his friend’s house watching Dr. Susan Block’s show on the computer (Yes, I watch porn occasionally, what’s it to you?) and she keeps going on about this book Laura Meets Jeffrey and how the writing is great, how the sex is hotter than Fifty Shades of Grey, and how it was written by both a woman and a man, Laura and Jeffrey, and how because it’s a memoir everything in it actually happened and it’s actually true.
After she read some of Laura Meets Jeffrey on the show I had to go to Amazon and buy the Kindle version. I finished it in a couple days. I could hardly put it down. It’s definitely a love story, but it’s real raw and it’s also the horniest book I ever read.
Laura Meets Jeffrey is what Fifty Shades of Grey wishes it could be. Fifty Shades appeals to mostly women and some men like it, too, but Laura Meets Jeffrey, I think, appeals equally to both. My boyfriend couldn’t get through Fifty Shades but devoured Laura Meets Jeffrey (and then he devoured me more than usual, which I liked.)
In Fifty Shades, Anastasia Steele is an innocent virgin, and in LMJ Laura Bradley is a whore and a nymphomaniac. I know who I can identify with. Anonymous sex with multiple guys? That’s my fantasy. I’m there!
All the naughty stuff in Fifty happens behind closed doors but in LMJ half of it is in public (!) at BDSM clubs, orgies and adult bookstores. OMG! Glory holes are these actual holes in adult bookstores that people have sex through. I can’t imagine myself doing this, but this book made me feel like I was there
Fifty is a fantasy from the mind of a female author and LMJ is written from the recollections of both the real-life master and the real-life slave. Fifty Shades is badly written fiction and Laura Meets Jeffrey is well written non-fiction. Fifty takes place in the recent post-AIDS past in Seattle when everybody’s on caffeine and organic kale and LMJ tales place in the wild time in the early 1980s when everyone was on the pill and/or drugs. Drugs are not part of Fifty, but way too much coke flows all through LMJ. Neither are there any real or fake celebrities in Fifty, but LMJ is filled with real life celebrity encounters as Laura’s and Jeffrey’s jobs take them inside the worlds of John & Yoko, Timothy Leary, Norman Mailer, Bruce Springsteen, Little Richard and George Harrison.
And while everybody knows about Fifty Shades of Grey, this is probably the first time you’ve read about Laura Meets Jeffrey. If dominance and submission interests you, and you want to know more about how it really happened to two real people, do yourself and read Laura Meets Jeffrey.
December 30, 2012
Wow... overall, I can already tell you that reading this is like sitting with one of your (in my case) older good friends and hearing about the tales of their sordid past. It is a memoir, and not fiction (which is especially odd for me since I am nearly allergic to non-fiction) but it's so charged with sex, passion, drugs, the occasional 'star' or 'celebrity'... it is more than entertaining enough to nearly be fiction. But it's not. I did receive this eBook in exchange for a review from the author via the Fifty Shades Support Group reading program.
Okay, I had to let my thoughts marinate a bit on this, but I think they are finally 'done'. I want to first point out that generally I am a fan of fiction. PNR, Romance, Sci-Fi, Horror, Dystopian... all 100% fiction. But just the description alone caught my eye on this, and made me think I might be able to step outside of my reading comfort zone. I'm gratified that I did. It still told a 'story' albeit a true one; a memoir, rather than fiction; beautiful and harshly realistic and somehow romantic. I feel any fan of the fictional 50 Shades may well like this despite being near it's antithesis. No alpha, rich, 50 shades of messed up men and inexperienced virginal women. Complete 180 opposite, in fact. But as I said, still an equally compelling read.
With the recent popularity of alternative sexual lifestyles being more overt in literature, magazines, media, and socially, this memoir couldn't have been finished at a more serendipitous time. While 2012 cannot hold a candle to the freedom of the 60's, 70's, and very early 80's, I cannot help but feel that somehow the current social climate made this window into Laura and Jeffrey's lives possible. Be very sure you are willing to read what is offered... vanilla is a flavored offered, but not the primary one. 31 flavors might begin to touch upon the buffet offered in this erotic true story.
Another winning touch with this book, is hearing both sides from Jeffrey's male perspective and Laura's feminine one. While the lion's share is Jeffrey's point of view, I did appreciate that he was able to get those recollections from Laura. They are very real people sharing their past with us, and it absolutely comes across that way. Like meeting an old lover for coffee and reminiscing or swapping stories with a good friend, I was made to feel like I was invited in to Jeffrey's living room and comfortable couch. Sipped on some wine while listening to him tell his story, going on a few side tangents here and there as good stories between friends always do. If someone had told me 3 years ago that I'd end up loving a book that included glory holes, prostitution, and spanking, I would have been looking for a straight jacket for them. But, low and behold, here I am LOVING how cozy and hot this made me feel, and rather disturbed... in a good way (if that's possible?)
There were a few points that I maybe cringed a little or got a little antsy for a 'skip to the good stuff' but overall it was difficult to put down. I would recommend this to anyone willing to read a spicier book and take a chance.
Okay, I had to let my thoughts marinate a bit on this, but I think they are finally 'done'. I want to first point out that generally I am a fan of fiction. PNR, Romance, Sci-Fi, Horror, Dystopian... all 100% fiction. But just the description alone caught my eye on this, and made me think I might be able to step outside of my reading comfort zone. I'm gratified that I did. It still told a 'story' albeit a true one; a memoir, rather than fiction; beautiful and harshly realistic and somehow romantic. I feel any fan of the fictional 50 Shades may well like this despite being near it's antithesis. No alpha, rich, 50 shades of messed up men and inexperienced virginal women. Complete 180 opposite, in fact. But as I said, still an equally compelling read.
With the recent popularity of alternative sexual lifestyles being more overt in literature, magazines, media, and socially, this memoir couldn't have been finished at a more serendipitous time. While 2012 cannot hold a candle to the freedom of the 60's, 70's, and very early 80's, I cannot help but feel that somehow the current social climate made this window into Laura and Jeffrey's lives possible. Be very sure you are willing to read what is offered... vanilla is a flavored offered, but not the primary one. 31 flavors might begin to touch upon the buffet offered in this erotic true story.
Another winning touch with this book, is hearing both sides from Jeffrey's male perspective and Laura's feminine one. While the lion's share is Jeffrey's point of view, I did appreciate that he was able to get those recollections from Laura. They are very real people sharing their past with us, and it absolutely comes across that way. Like meeting an old lover for coffee and reminiscing or swapping stories with a good friend, I was made to feel like I was invited in to Jeffrey's living room and comfortable couch. Sipped on some wine while listening to him tell his story, going on a few side tangents here and there as good stories between friends always do. If someone had told me 3 years ago that I'd end up loving a book that included glory holes, prostitution, and spanking, I would have been looking for a straight jacket for them. But, low and behold, here I am LOVING how cozy and hot this made me feel, and rather disturbed... in a good way (if that's possible?)
There were a few points that I maybe cringed a little or got a little antsy for a 'skip to the good stuff' but overall it was difficult to put down. I would recommend this to anyone willing to read a spicier book and take a chance.
September 2, 2012
4.25 Stars!
I feel awful that I didn’t really know who any of these popular people mentioned in this novel are. I am so sheltered ;P (also had no clue to any of the drugs either). Even with that aside, I did really enjoy reading it. Jeffrey has quite a way with words and will give you some great laughs. It was interesting seeing little glimpses of Laura’s side of the events too. I am quite impressed at #1 how much stamina Jeffrey had (has?) and #2 by how well all of these events were recounted. This book did make me wonder about where all of these orgy activities took place (as in was it mostly larger cities or did this trend reach the smaller communities also). I must admit a couple times with the flash backs/forwards I did get a little confused, but it ended up working itself out. It was great how Jeffrey went over some of his other relationships prior to and after Laura.
I really enjoyed reading about their trip to the adult bookstore and the first trip to the BDSM club. It was interesting to get a glimpse into a real BDSM club. This was my first time reading a memoir and I really enjoyed it. If there are more out there similar to this one I would start reading more of them.
If you are looking for a true story that will make you laugh and not hold back when it comes to the drugs and sex, then this is your book! It didn’t seem to leave anything out and stated things just as they were.
I must admit that now I am curious to read some reviews from readers who are around the same age as Jeffery and Laura.
*A copy of this book was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
******
If you liked this book you may enjoy the following groups:
Erotic Enchants Group
Menage Readers Group
I feel awful that I didn’t really know who any of these popular people mentioned in this novel are. I am so sheltered ;P (also had no clue to any of the drugs either). Even with that aside, I did really enjoy reading it. Jeffrey has quite a way with words and will give you some great laughs. It was interesting seeing little glimpses of Laura’s side of the events too. I am quite impressed at #1 how much stamina Jeffrey had (has?) and #2 by how well all of these events were recounted. This book did make me wonder about where all of these orgy activities took place (as in was it mostly larger cities or did this trend reach the smaller communities also). I must admit a couple times with the flash backs/forwards I did get a little confused, but it ended up working itself out. It was great how Jeffrey went over some of his other relationships prior to and after Laura.
I really enjoyed reading about their trip to the adult bookstore and the first trip to the BDSM club. It was interesting to get a glimpse into a real BDSM club. This was my first time reading a memoir and I really enjoyed it. If there are more out there similar to this one I would start reading more of them.
If you are looking for a true story that will make you laugh and not hold back when it comes to the drugs and sex, then this is your book! It didn’t seem to leave anything out and stated things just as they were.
I must admit that now I am curious to read some reviews from readers who are around the same age as Jeffery and Laura.
*A copy of this book was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
******
If you liked this book you may enjoy the following groups:
Erotic Enchants Group
Menage Readers Group
January 2, 2013
Quick review:
Cover: Fitting
Rating: XXX
Steaminess: Nuclear
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Enlighten
Characters: Solid
Plot: Take a walk down the wild side and then some
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Jeffrey
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Not much of a non-fiction lover, this story reads like fiction. I was surprised and jealous of all the comings and goings. Jeffrey certainly lived an interesting life. One that I myself only wish I could live half of. I enjoyed taking a step in his world.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Cover: Fitting
Rating: XXX
Steaminess: Nuclear
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Enlighten
Characters: Solid
Plot: Take a walk down the wild side and then some
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Jeffrey
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Not much of a non-fiction lover, this story reads like fiction. I was surprised and jealous of all the comings and goings. Jeffrey certainly lived an interesting life. One that I myself only wish I could live half of. I enjoyed taking a step in his world.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
August 26, 2012
LAURA MEETS JEFFERY: BOTH SIDES OF AN EROTIC MEMOIR is an unfiltered and unabashed account of the sexually adventurous, if not reckless lives of Laura and Jeffery during the early 80’s.
Welcome to the world of sex, drugs and rock & roll - raw, honest & outrageous. I was immediately sucked in to the story of the lives of this free-loving couple. How they escaped death is still a mystery to me.
Meet Laura, the cokehead-hooker-pain slut who always seems to be looking for a good time. Although she is listed as one of the authors, her story is told mostly through Jeffery with occasional interjections throughout the book. Honestly, Laura’s random comments and laughing - “ha, ha, ha” (in 15 locations) were a little distracting and kind of yanked me out of the flow of the story. Early on, I notated that when Laura starts talking it is almost as if a third person is interviewing her. Ah-ha! I am so smart ☺ In the Afterword, Jeffery reveals that Laura does, in fact, tell “her side of the story in a series of interviews with pop culture oral historian, Legs McNeil.” I might have embraced her side of the story a little more had I known that going in because that is one aspect of the book that did not work for me.
Now, meet Jeffery, quite possibly the horniest real man I have ever read about. In the days prior to the release of Viagra, he must have been a God among men in regards to staying power – literally hours and hours of sex, ejaculating a ridiculous number of times back to back. I am impressed. Jeffery chronicles his escapades as he goes from living in a van down by the river to the prestigious penthouse and hobnobbing with the likes of Norman Mailer and rubbing elbows with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Ryan O’Neal and Jose Torres just to name a few. One thing I really loved about Jeffery’s accounts was that no matter how many of the rich and famous he encountered in his adventures, he still couldn’t help but act like a fanboy around certain people – namely, his encounter with John Lennon. Here is my favorite:
“John Lennon is standing next to me. John Lennon is wearing moccasins. John Lennon’s feet are only inches away from mine. My dormant Beatlemania grabs hold of my central nervous system and it occurs to me—that’s a Beatle Foot! And there are two of them. REAL ACTUAL BEATLE FEET!!”
The time period in which this memoir takes place was definitely a different time in which we live today. As acknowledged by Jeffery, this was a time before AIDS and herpes it was a time before having sex without a raincoat was virtually a death wish. Uninhibited is taken to a new level in my mind as I read their sexual confessions. I found myself wondering: How many people has he slept with anyways…yikes! Oh, that’s’ right, he stopped counting at 1000. I am unofficially nicknaming him “Dumpster Dick”!
If you are looking for true accounts of erotic pleasure told in detail, then you really must read LAURA MEETS JEFFERY: BOTH SIDES OF AN EROTIC MEMOIR. It will make you blush. It might make you uncomfortable. It will definitely shock you. My best description of the book: A smorgasbord of indulgent sexual proclivities…yep, that about sums it up!
**Since reading the book and writing this review, I notice that Laura has been removed as an author. Interesting. I wonder why?
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
Welcome to the world of sex, drugs and rock & roll - raw, honest & outrageous. I was immediately sucked in to the story of the lives of this free-loving couple. How they escaped death is still a mystery to me.
Meet Laura, the cokehead-hooker-pain slut who always seems to be looking for a good time. Although she is listed as one of the authors, her story is told mostly through Jeffery with occasional interjections throughout the book. Honestly, Laura’s random comments and laughing - “ha, ha, ha” (in 15 locations) were a little distracting and kind of yanked me out of the flow of the story. Early on, I notated that when Laura starts talking it is almost as if a third person is interviewing her. Ah-ha! I am so smart ☺ In the Afterword, Jeffery reveals that Laura does, in fact, tell “her side of the story in a series of interviews with pop culture oral historian, Legs McNeil.” I might have embraced her side of the story a little more had I known that going in because that is one aspect of the book that did not work for me.
Now, meet Jeffery, quite possibly the horniest real man I have ever read about. In the days prior to the release of Viagra, he must have been a God among men in regards to staying power – literally hours and hours of sex, ejaculating a ridiculous number of times back to back. I am impressed. Jeffery chronicles his escapades as he goes from living in a van down by the river to the prestigious penthouse and hobnobbing with the likes of Norman Mailer and rubbing elbows with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Ryan O’Neal and Jose Torres just to name a few. One thing I really loved about Jeffery’s accounts was that no matter how many of the rich and famous he encountered in his adventures, he still couldn’t help but act like a fanboy around certain people – namely, his encounter with John Lennon. Here is my favorite:
“John Lennon is standing next to me. John Lennon is wearing moccasins. John Lennon’s feet are only inches away from mine. My dormant Beatlemania grabs hold of my central nervous system and it occurs to me—that’s a Beatle Foot! And there are two of them. REAL ACTUAL BEATLE FEET!!”
The time period in which this memoir takes place was definitely a different time in which we live today. As acknowledged by Jeffery, this was a time before AIDS and herpes it was a time before having sex without a raincoat was virtually a death wish. Uninhibited is taken to a new level in my mind as I read their sexual confessions. I found myself wondering: How many people has he slept with anyways…yikes! Oh, that’s’ right, he stopped counting at 1000. I am unofficially nicknaming him “Dumpster Dick”!
If you are looking for true accounts of erotic pleasure told in detail, then you really must read LAURA MEETS JEFFERY: BOTH SIDES OF AN EROTIC MEMOIR. It will make you blush. It might make you uncomfortable. It will definitely shock you. My best description of the book: A smorgasbord of indulgent sexual proclivities…yep, that about sums it up!
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
September 17, 2014
Let me first of all say that I feel like I was definitely born in the wrong era since reading this book. Oh well...
I could not feel like I know you better. What major cahones you have for putting this out there. :) Thank you for the free (signed, so cool!!!!) book and a personal look into your life. I wish more people talked about sex openly instead of making it up or brushing it under the rug.
Thank you thank you thank you for your book. I'm glad you guys got it published and good luck!
I could not feel like I know you better. What major cahones you have for putting this out there. :) Thank you for the free (signed, so cool!!!!) book and a personal look into your life. I wish more people talked about sex openly instead of making it up or brushing it under the rug.
Thank you thank you thank you for your book. I'm glad you guys got it published and good luck!
January 2, 2022
I'm starting with the cover, the shy guy looking down with a hint of a smile makes my knees weak. The girl smiling directly at you with something in her eyes draws me in. The title of the book confuses me, Yes, there is both sides to this Erotic Memoir and I looked forward to hearing both sides of the story. But, If I had to pick who was the second staple in Jeffrey's life I don't think it was Laura it was Norman. Now I know this would change the whole Erotic Memoir draw but... Norman deafeningly influenced Jeffrey from the beginning and stayed until the end.
Jeffrey has a way of bringing the his story to life, I could picture him working with John Lennon, boxing Ryan O'Neal and whipping Laura as if I were watching a movie. He puts feelings into his words so you experience his sexual need, jealously, grieve, pleasure and turmoil as he paints his life's journey. Jeffrey takes you on this ride that made me blush and at the same time taped into my curiosity towards different life styles in the 70's-80's. (I was born in 75' but my life style was Sesame Street the Electric Company and Fisher Price toys.)
Laura fills in the pieces and makes me laugh with her blunt personality. Can't get enough of that women. She was a driving force of her own.
A memoir is an account of one's personal life and experiences. Hands down Jeffrey and Laura shared their very personal experiences with us through out this book. Inspiring words "Fais ce que to voudrs" (Do what thou wilt)
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Jeffrey has a way of bringing the his story to life, I could picture him working with John Lennon, boxing Ryan O'Neal and whipping Laura as if I were watching a movie. He puts feelings into his words so you experience his sexual need, jealously, grieve, pleasure and turmoil as he paints his life's journey. Jeffrey takes you on this ride that made me blush and at the same time taped into my curiosity towards different life styles in the 70's-80's. (I was born in 75' but my life style was Sesame Street the Electric Company and Fisher Price toys.)
Laura fills in the pieces and makes me laugh with her blunt personality. Can't get enough of that women. She was a driving force of her own.
A memoir is an account of one's personal life and experiences. Hands down Jeffrey and Laura shared their very personal experiences with us through out this book. Inspiring words "Fais ce que to voudrs" (Do what thou wilt)
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
December 17, 2012
"Laura Meets Jeffrey: Both Sides of an Erotic Memoir" is an honest, intimate portrait of a couple who had a decadent lifestyle of sex and drugs during the early 1980s.
The story is told mostly through the point of view of author Jeffrey Michelson, although there are sections from Laura Bradley were she tells her opinion on events that had happened.
Jeffrey works as an ad designer for such legends such as John Lennon and the Rolling Stones. Plus he is also the creator of Puritan, an explicit sex magazine. When he meets Laura, she is working as a hooker. They very quickly fall for each other. Their lives during that period exemplify sex, drugs and rock & roll, with a mixture of BDSM.
As their relationship progresses everything, especially the BDSM becomes more extreme. It eventually reaches a point were it is too much, especially for Jeffrey. And he has to make the decision if he should stay or leave.
Of course, there are other moments in the book not about sex. And those chapters are also told in wonderful detail. He talks about his relationships with various celebrities. His boxing with Ryan O'Neil, his friendship with Norman Mailer, working with John Lennon. The one I found most touching, was the final chapter about Norman Mailer prior to his death. It was heartbreaking and beautiful.
What I loved most about this book, it felt more like if I was really listening to Jeffrey tell his story with a few moments of Laura's perspective. It didn't feel like reading a book. It felt very honest and raw glimpse of the era. I applaud Jeffrey and Laura for telling their story.
A review copy was provided in exchange for honest review.
The story is told mostly through the point of view of author Jeffrey Michelson, although there are sections from Laura Bradley were she tells her opinion on events that had happened.
Jeffrey works as an ad designer for such legends such as John Lennon and the Rolling Stones. Plus he is also the creator of Puritan, an explicit sex magazine. When he meets Laura, she is working as a hooker. They very quickly fall for each other. Their lives during that period exemplify sex, drugs and rock & roll, with a mixture of BDSM.
As their relationship progresses everything, especially the BDSM becomes more extreme. It eventually reaches a point were it is too much, especially for Jeffrey. And he has to make the decision if he should stay or leave.
Of course, there are other moments in the book not about sex. And those chapters are also told in wonderful detail. He talks about his relationships with various celebrities. His boxing with Ryan O'Neil, his friendship with Norman Mailer, working with John Lennon. The one I found most touching, was the final chapter about Norman Mailer prior to his death. It was heartbreaking and beautiful.
What I loved most about this book, it felt more like if I was really listening to Jeffrey tell his story with a few moments of Laura's perspective. It didn't feel like reading a book. It felt very honest and raw glimpse of the era. I applaud Jeffrey and Laura for telling their story.
A review copy was provided in exchange for honest review.
July 31, 2013
Wow! What a great memoir! Laura meets Jeffery is an erotic story from a different time, when sex, drugs, and rock and roll were the focus. This book has it all.
Jeffery begins his relationship with Laura when she is a prostitute. He convinces her to leave her husband and to the whore house she works for. Laura and Jeffery are both sex addicts, with amazing stamina, who are both willing and eager to try anything. The sex is very raw, explicit, and shocking. Laura and Jeffery bothed lived a 100 lives, all much more exciting, daring, than the previous. The addiction to drugs, the sex, working with famous musicians, etc. I love that you can see the growth in Laura and Jeffery, the relationship, their attitude towards sex and drugs change throughout the book. It was a unique insight into a different time.
I truly enjoyed the book. It felt like you were sitting on the couch having a conversation with a good friend about the good old days. Between the grasping story, Jefferey's amazing tone and writing style, and Laura's input, I coldn't put this book down.
Jeffery begins his relationship with Laura when she is a prostitute. He convinces her to leave her husband and to the whore house she works for. Laura and Jeffery are both sex addicts, with amazing stamina, who are both willing and eager to try anything. The sex is very raw, explicit, and shocking. Laura and Jeffery bothed lived a 100 lives, all much more exciting, daring, than the previous. The addiction to drugs, the sex, working with famous musicians, etc. I love that you can see the growth in Laura and Jeffery, the relationship, their attitude towards sex and drugs change throughout the book. It was a unique insight into a different time.
I truly enjoyed the book. It felt like you were sitting on the couch having a conversation with a good friend about the good old days. Between the grasping story, Jefferey's amazing tone and writing style, and Laura's input, I coldn't put this book down.
March 10, 2013
This is a wonderful and humorous read. I loved the insight from both sides with the different point of view. Jeffrey and Laura are spontaneous and a bit reckless. They take from life everything and more. There is some great comparison through the story which is wrapped in Jeffrey’s sense of humor and some sarcasm. Even nowadays people dream of good old days of RNR and flower power and it’s a privilege to see it through the eyes of someone who actually lived it. Jeffrey’s writing is descriptive, funny and real with lots of sex and drugs. To hear about musicians we still listen and writers we still read. The stamina of both of them is fascinating and Laura’s input spiced up the whole story. I loved the moment when Jeffrey overcomes his jealousy and starts sharing Laura without prejudice and drama, just pure hedonism and arousal. The closure is good and overall I could say this is a love story and would recommend it further. It's raw, honest and will shake you to the bone.
Oh, and I still can't believe all the sex :)
Oh, and I still can't believe all the sex :)
January 17, 2013
Sex drugs and rock and roll; a first person account
I usually have a hard time getting into memoirs, but this one really piqued my interest. It tells a story of love during the sexual revolution of the 70’s and 80’s. The style made you feel like you were in the story and having a drink with an old friend reminiscing about their life. It painted a picture of what the world was like in the 70’s and how different it was from today; days’ when hot sex, promiscuity, sex clubs and drug use ran rampant. His sayings were witty and many times made me laugh out loud. Each chapter had me coming back for more. Commentary from Laura’s point of view sprinkled in was genius; I enjoyed seeing thru her memories. Dual perspectives made it a fun read. I really enjoyed this book and even thought it was full of gritty sex and drug use (which I loved), I also feel I learned a lot about that era.
Book was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
I usually have a hard time getting into memoirs, but this one really piqued my interest. It tells a story of love during the sexual revolution of the 70’s and 80’s. The style made you feel like you were in the story and having a drink with an old friend reminiscing about their life. It painted a picture of what the world was like in the 70’s and how different it was from today; days’ when hot sex, promiscuity, sex clubs and drug use ran rampant. His sayings were witty and many times made me laugh out loud. Each chapter had me coming back for more. Commentary from Laura’s point of view sprinkled in was genius; I enjoyed seeing thru her memories. Dual perspectives made it a fun read. I really enjoyed this book and even thought it was full of gritty sex and drug use (which I loved), I also feel I learned a lot about that era.
Book was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
October 23, 2012
Shocking, eye-opening, and even educational at times! This is an erotic memoir chock-full of information! I actually read this over many days as there was so much to take in! It made me realize how different life was before The Pill and the AIDS epidemic. There are so many things we are programmed to do and think these days, that weren't even a consideration then!
Some of it will turn you on and some of it might make you cringe, but either way you will certainly be entertained! Thank you to the authors (especially Jeffrey!) for sharing so much of their life with us! It was a trip reading about it, I can only imagine what the actual experience was like. :)
Some of it will turn you on and some of it might make you cringe, but either way you will certainly be entertained! Thank you to the authors (especially Jeffrey!) for sharing so much of their life with us! It was a trip reading about it, I can only imagine what the actual experience was like. :)
August 19, 2012
This was a fantastic read. I really enjoyed Jeffrey's style of storytelling, and loved Laura's quotes and thoughts sprinkled throughout. It was like hearing a very frank and matter-of-fact story from your deepest, closest friends (all in explicit detail). Remember that song "Life is a Highway"? Well, these folks took one helluva ride! (And at numerous times, I found myself questioning just how many drugs a person can take and still survive.)
Thank you Jeffrey and Laura for having the courage to so openly share this part of your lives with the world. In some strange way I feel as though you are really my friends now...and I wish you both all the best, always.
Thank you Jeffrey and Laura for having the courage to so openly share this part of your lives with the world. In some strange way I feel as though you are really my friends now...and I wish you both all the best, always.
March 3, 2013
This is the most disturbingly honest book I've ever read. It's full of debauchery and I loved every minute of it. Because, it's written by a man, it's totally straightforward, with none of the sappy, fake romance a lot of female authors put in books. When he thought he killed the one girl he was sleeping with, I literally laughed out loud and had tears streaming down my face, reading his "omg will I go to jail ?" description.
I also adore Laura. Any woman who isn't afraid to admit she lived like a total slut for years and loved every minute of it, has my vote.
I also adore Laura. Any woman who isn't afraid to admit she lived like a total slut for years and loved every minute of it, has my vote.
April 8, 2014
Amazing real life with incredible surprises. Not for the sexually shy. The realism will hit you right between the eyes and will offend many but the last few chapters and prologs send the reader back home. Very special book.
December 4, 2012
A fantastic read - I feel as if I were there and enjoyed the ride immensely.
Oh - and I finally know what a unicorn really is ... thank you, Jeffrey. I wondered if I was growing a horn :)
Oh - and I finally know what a unicorn really is ... thank you, Jeffrey. I wondered if I was growing a horn :)
April 1, 2013
Excellent. A good, fun read. Enjoyed living vicariously through Laura and Jeffrey's sexual escapades through the 70's.
June 26, 2013
3.5 Stars
*Book given in exchange for an honest review*
I had no idea what to expect when reading this book. I read the description and I didn’t think it was real. It described a time and an era not only fantastical but seemingly fictional. I literally thought this book was going to be a rock star story about wild love with no strings attached. And it was. Only it was true. And instead of a rock star we get Jeffrey, an easygoing public relations genius and Laura, a vegan prostitute.
The story started off slow for me and at times I questioned whether I was interested enough to finish it. And then it picked up as we delved deeper into a dark world of orgies and sex clubs, where love flowed freely and STDs didn’t seem to exist.
No AIDS? It was difficult for me to fathom that type of sexual freedom – especially when these people obviously never heard of condoms and had no problem swapping fluids in every place you can possibly think of.
It gives insight into the “underworld” of society. The secret desires that culminate in sex parties where anything goes and anyone can participate. People from all walks of life could be expected…the famous just as easily as the dredges of society. The more parties you attend, the more likely you are to run into someone who might be your neighbor – or your boss. Oh yes, the rich were far from innocent. In Jeffrey’s words, “These are “straight” hypocritical motherfuckers who do drugs and fuck each other’s wives on Saturday night, then vote for people who want to give drug dealers the electric chair and would like to see personal freedom redefined with great limitations.”
Jeffrey was a likable guy. He’s self deprecating while at the same time has no problem tooting his own horn in a nonchalant way. He reminded me of your average guy next door who you accidentally end up hanging out with one day and find out that not only is he surprisingly cool, but he has particular skills that are anything and everything but average.
Laura was the hedonistic hippy who could wrap men around her fingers, and anything she took from them she gave back in spades with her sexual prowess. She took uninhibited to a whole other level. Laura had issues, and I’m not saying that only because of her out of control cocaine habit, but also because of her need to be abused and punished to an almost intolerable extreme. She eventually settles down, which makes me wonder, was it the drugs that made her hyper sexual, or was that a natural reaction to the times?
We learned that the sexual freedom that was so prevalently displayed was more demonstrative of bondage. Pun intended. You see, although Laura and Jeffrey lived their lives jumping from orgies to drugs to more orgies, they weren’t as free as their lifestyle would lead you to believe. They were like teenagers coming into their own and figuring out who the hell they were and who they wanted to be. They had issues and habits that needed to be explored and dealt with at the same time. Issues that were destructive, dangerous, and at times uncontrollable. Issues that held them captive to themselves.
I did like that Laura was able to contribute to the story. While the majority of the story was told in Jeffrey’s voice, Laura’s perspective was necessary to make the story more believable.
Now on to the elephant in the room. Um, Jeffrey seriously? Where did that stamina come from? Was it a literary exaggeration or is that how it’s done?
Laura was no less impressive. She was the porn star to end all porn stars.
To say that the scenes were steamy would be an understatement. The two of them together could only remind me of the vampires from Twilight when they first find their mate and then literally go at it for decades.
The book was well written. Jeffrey obviously knows his way around a dictionary, and I was glad I read from a kindle where I had a dictionary at my disposal because it was needed. A lot.
I didn’t know who a lot of the famous people in the story were. Of course I recognized John Lennon and Yoko Ono, but Norman Mailer? Not a clue.
I have to admit I was surprised by how the book ended. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending was unexpected. Believe it or not, I was almost more surprised by where Jeffrey ended up. Overall, the story was entertaining and surprisingly educational (I’m not sure whether in a good or a bad way). Definitely not for the squeamish.
*Book given in exchange for an honest review*
I had no idea what to expect when reading this book. I read the description and I didn’t think it was real. It described a time and an era not only fantastical but seemingly fictional. I literally thought this book was going to be a rock star story about wild love with no strings attached. And it was. Only it was true. And instead of a rock star we get Jeffrey, an easygoing public relations genius and Laura, a vegan prostitute.
The story started off slow for me and at times I questioned whether I was interested enough to finish it. And then it picked up as we delved deeper into a dark world of orgies and sex clubs, where love flowed freely and STDs didn’t seem to exist.
No AIDS? It was difficult for me to fathom that type of sexual freedom – especially when these people obviously never heard of condoms and had no problem swapping fluids in every place you can possibly think of.
It gives insight into the “underworld” of society. The secret desires that culminate in sex parties where anything goes and anyone can participate. People from all walks of life could be expected…the famous just as easily as the dredges of society. The more parties you attend, the more likely you are to run into someone who might be your neighbor – or your boss. Oh yes, the rich were far from innocent. In Jeffrey’s words, “These are “straight” hypocritical motherfuckers who do drugs and fuck each other’s wives on Saturday night, then vote for people who want to give drug dealers the electric chair and would like to see personal freedom redefined with great limitations.”
Jeffrey was a likable guy. He’s self deprecating while at the same time has no problem tooting his own horn in a nonchalant way. He reminded me of your average guy next door who you accidentally end up hanging out with one day and find out that not only is he surprisingly cool, but he has particular skills that are anything and everything but average.
Laura was the hedonistic hippy who could wrap men around her fingers, and anything she took from them she gave back in spades with her sexual prowess. She took uninhibited to a whole other level. Laura had issues, and I’m not saying that only because of her out of control cocaine habit, but also because of her need to be abused and punished to an almost intolerable extreme. She eventually settles down, which makes me wonder, was it the drugs that made her hyper sexual, or was that a natural reaction to the times?
We learned that the sexual freedom that was so prevalently displayed was more demonstrative of bondage. Pun intended. You see, although Laura and Jeffrey lived their lives jumping from orgies to drugs to more orgies, they weren’t as free as their lifestyle would lead you to believe. They were like teenagers coming into their own and figuring out who the hell they were and who they wanted to be. They had issues and habits that needed to be explored and dealt with at the same time. Issues that were destructive, dangerous, and at times uncontrollable. Issues that held them captive to themselves.
I did like that Laura was able to contribute to the story. While the majority of the story was told in Jeffrey’s voice, Laura’s perspective was necessary to make the story more believable.
Now on to the elephant in the room. Um, Jeffrey seriously? Where did that stamina come from? Was it a literary exaggeration or is that how it’s done?
Laura was no less impressive. She was the porn star to end all porn stars.
To say that the scenes were steamy would be an understatement. The two of them together could only remind me of the vampires from Twilight when they first find their mate and then literally go at it for decades.
The book was well written. Jeffrey obviously knows his way around a dictionary, and I was glad I read from a kindle where I had a dictionary at my disposal because it was needed. A lot.
I didn’t know who a lot of the famous people in the story were. Of course I recognized John Lennon and Yoko Ono, but Norman Mailer? Not a clue.
I have to admit I was surprised by how the book ended. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending was unexpected. Believe it or not, I was almost more surprised by where Jeffrey ended up. Overall, the story was entertaining and surprisingly educational (I’m not sure whether in a good or a bad way). Definitely not for the squeamish.
January 18, 2013
Laura Meets Jeffrey: An Erotic Memoir
Jeffrey Michelson is a young man living a bachelor’s life in New York with an awesome gig in the porn industry as the creative director of Puritan magazine, a job that pays well and has given him access to trysts with his fair share of porn models; a live in girlfriend named Sherry with whom he shares a monogamous relationship, a home in the city and in the country, and two dogs. It seems that Jeffrey has finally met someone special…for a while. Because as with most couples the passion that flares between them changes to flaring tempers, causing Jeffrey to fall into a funk.
Then on one fateful Friday morning in April 1980 as he is taking a walk to clear his head he passes a whorehouse he frequents and decides he wants to have some fun without drama. Aptly named, Eureka! is where he meets Laura Bradley, because from the moment he sees the girl with the light brown hair and sparkling green eyes he knows he has struck gold. Then when he and Laura have a sexual encounter that is explosive and a thoroughly primal experience for both, the reader gets the feeling eureka! is exactly what he is thinking.
Although Jeffrey has been with many women in his life from an ex-wife to random girls at orgies, he has never met anyone like Laura Bradley. Laura makes Jeffrey feel like a million bucks, but it is only fleeting since Laura has another client to see and he is sure there are plenty more to come. And as he attempts to forget her, what he doesn’t know is that Laura’s mind is as blown as his; but one thing he does know for certain…he has to get rid of Sherry.
So he allows himself to take Sherry’s nit-picking in stride and because Sherry wants a more volatile relationship with Jeffrey, she ends it. Jeffrey effectively dodges that bullet, and three weeks later he heads straight into an even bigger pistol…a 5’8” Laura Bradley special.
What ensues is a tangle of orgies and wild, hot, drug fueled nights with Laura that leave Jeffrey spent and simultaneously lusting for more. Things grow even hotter when Laura reveals to Jeffrey that she wants to be his submissive, and she wants him to hurt her. At first Jeffrey is shocked, but then he is pleasantly surprised as the new dynamics of their relationship make the sex between them even better. But what he doesn’t see coming are the changes in Laura because with each sexual encounter they engage in Laura’s thirst for pain and cocaine becomes more than Jeffrey can take. Then what was once a fantasy come true turns into a dark dream as Jeffrey discovers that no matter how much you love someone, it’s not the same when only one of you is still dreaming, and all you want to do is wake up.
I enjoyed this memoir, and found it to be a quick and entertaining read in spite of some of its filthier cringe-worthy sexual moments. Don’t get me wrong there are definitely some erotic moments that make you wonder if you’re a closet perv. It took me a while to review this book because I didn’t want to spoil it for other readers. I thoroughly enjoyed Jeffrey’s witty anecdotes and commentary on sex, drugs, love, and relationships. I also thought it was really clever of him to add Laura’s point of view into all of this, which for me made it seem less chauvinistic. Because well, sorry to say it but…there were moments when I thought Jeffrey sounded shallow when he described women and his thoughts about their appearances. I think the touches of Laura added an important element to the memoir. Without spoiling it I will say this however…even though there were moments when I found myself annoyed with Jeffrey there were definitely SEVERAL moments in the book that redeemed him for me, and in the end I have a lot of respect for him and Laura for sharing their stories with us.
And if this review doesn’t give you enough reason to read it then take this away with you…if you like to read about filthy, kinky sex then this is the book for you!
Jeffrey Michelson is a young man living a bachelor’s life in New York with an awesome gig in the porn industry as the creative director of Puritan magazine, a job that pays well and has given him access to trysts with his fair share of porn models; a live in girlfriend named Sherry with whom he shares a monogamous relationship, a home in the city and in the country, and two dogs. It seems that Jeffrey has finally met someone special…for a while. Because as with most couples the passion that flares between them changes to flaring tempers, causing Jeffrey to fall into a funk.
Then on one fateful Friday morning in April 1980 as he is taking a walk to clear his head he passes a whorehouse he frequents and decides he wants to have some fun without drama. Aptly named, Eureka! is where he meets Laura Bradley, because from the moment he sees the girl with the light brown hair and sparkling green eyes he knows he has struck gold. Then when he and Laura have a sexual encounter that is explosive and a thoroughly primal experience for both, the reader gets the feeling eureka! is exactly what he is thinking.
Although Jeffrey has been with many women in his life from an ex-wife to random girls at orgies, he has never met anyone like Laura Bradley. Laura makes Jeffrey feel like a million bucks, but it is only fleeting since Laura has another client to see and he is sure there are plenty more to come. And as he attempts to forget her, what he doesn’t know is that Laura’s mind is as blown as his; but one thing he does know for certain…he has to get rid of Sherry.
So he allows himself to take Sherry’s nit-picking in stride and because Sherry wants a more volatile relationship with Jeffrey, she ends it. Jeffrey effectively dodges that bullet, and three weeks later he heads straight into an even bigger pistol…a 5’8” Laura Bradley special.
What ensues is a tangle of orgies and wild, hot, drug fueled nights with Laura that leave Jeffrey spent and simultaneously lusting for more. Things grow even hotter when Laura reveals to Jeffrey that she wants to be his submissive, and she wants him to hurt her. At first Jeffrey is shocked, but then he is pleasantly surprised as the new dynamics of their relationship make the sex between them even better. But what he doesn’t see coming are the changes in Laura because with each sexual encounter they engage in Laura’s thirst for pain and cocaine becomes more than Jeffrey can take. Then what was once a fantasy come true turns into a dark dream as Jeffrey discovers that no matter how much you love someone, it’s not the same when only one of you is still dreaming, and all you want to do is wake up.
I enjoyed this memoir, and found it to be a quick and entertaining read in spite of some of its filthier cringe-worthy sexual moments. Don’t get me wrong there are definitely some erotic moments that make you wonder if you’re a closet perv. It took me a while to review this book because I didn’t want to spoil it for other readers. I thoroughly enjoyed Jeffrey’s witty anecdotes and commentary on sex, drugs, love, and relationships. I also thought it was really clever of him to add Laura’s point of view into all of this, which for me made it seem less chauvinistic. Because well, sorry to say it but…there were moments when I thought Jeffrey sounded shallow when he described women and his thoughts about their appearances. I think the touches of Laura added an important element to the memoir. Without spoiling it I will say this however…even though there were moments when I found myself annoyed with Jeffrey there were definitely SEVERAL moments in the book that redeemed him for me, and in the end I have a lot of respect for him and Laura for sharing their stories with us.
And if this review doesn’t give you enough reason to read it then take this away with you…if you like to read about filthy, kinky sex then this is the book for you!
March 9, 2013
Laura Meets Jeffrey: Both Sides of an Erotic Memoir is as much a travelogue of a journey to a fabled land as a memoir. The world in this memoir doesn't exist anymore. There was a brief period of time between the wide availability of the birth control pill and the onset of herpes and AIDS when sexual freedom and exploration were celebrated in a way that seems unimaginable today. Casual sex and recreational drug use aren't hard to find today, but the idea that either of those things are consequence free or even good for you, is gone and may never return. Laura Meets Jeffrey illuminates the end of that period, 1980 - 1983, from the joyous abandon of meeting your libidinous soul match to the bitter realization that nothing comes without consequences.
I was offered this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I accepted it because it was already on my "to read and review" list.
One of the treasures of this book is Jeffrey's voice. It comes through with clarity and honesty. It's a very masculine voice, which at times gave me the feeling I was getting a penis eye view of Jeffrey's life. I don't mean that as a negative, only that for me, it was a very different perspective. It added to my feeling that I was a getting a glimpse into a completely foreign land. Jeffrey's feelings about himself, Laura, and the world around him come through without great descriptive paragraphs of analysis. His experiences as a magazine writer and in advertising serve him well in conveying a lot of layers with only a few words.
Sex was a large part of their lives, together and separately. Laura was a prostitute when Jeffrey met her, and remained one through their time together. Sex is not the entirety of their relationship, but it is the heartbeat. Laura and Jeffrey are partners who allow each other to seek out more and more extreme sexual experiences. They have moments of jealousy and insecurity, but it isn't the sex that puts a strain on their relationship. Some of their sexual adventures were challenging to read, but always told honestly.
Laura's contribution to the memoir is sporadic, but important. She adds veracity, but not as much depth. There is one moment near the end of the book when Laura is at a funeral and reflecting on the current state of her life. This is Laura's most honest, revealing moment. Through most of the book, we have to trust Jeffrey, and in one instance Norman Mailer, that Laura is a fascinating woman. It isn't until the funeral that Laura reveals herself, and became, for me, the woman Jeffrey had been describing.
I trusted Jeffrey about Laura, because Jeffrey presents himself so honestly.
I was offered this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I accepted it because it was already on my "to read and review" list.
One of the treasures of this book is Jeffrey's voice. It comes through with clarity and honesty. It's a very masculine voice, which at times gave me the feeling I was getting a penis eye view of Jeffrey's life. I don't mean that as a negative, only that for me, it was a very different perspective. It added to my feeling that I was a getting a glimpse into a completely foreign land. Jeffrey's feelings about himself, Laura, and the world around him come through without great descriptive paragraphs of analysis. His experiences as a magazine writer and in advertising serve him well in conveying a lot of layers with only a few words.
Sex was a large part of their lives, together and separately. Laura was a prostitute when Jeffrey met her, and remained one through their time together. Sex is not the entirety of their relationship, but it is the heartbeat. Laura and Jeffrey are partners who allow each other to seek out more and more extreme sexual experiences. They have moments of jealousy and insecurity, but it isn't the sex that puts a strain on their relationship. Some of their sexual adventures were challenging to read, but always told honestly.
Laura's contribution to the memoir is sporadic, but important. She adds veracity, but not as much depth. There is one moment near the end of the book when Laura is at a funeral and reflecting on the current state of her life. This is Laura's most honest, revealing moment. Through most of the book, we have to trust Jeffrey, and in one instance Norman Mailer, that Laura is a fascinating woman. It isn't until the funeral that Laura reveals herself, and became, for me, the woman Jeffrey had been describing.
I trusted Jeffrey about Laura, because Jeffrey presents himself so honestly.
March 7, 2014
Disclaimer, which will probably surprise some people who know me: Jeffrey Michelson is a friend of a friend, and I actually spent an hour talking to him on the phone about book publishing. (Before I read the book.) So when I read the book, I heard it in his actual voice.
This book isn't for everyone, although with the popularity of Fifty Shades of Gray (which I thought was awful, by the way) I suppose it is for more people than I thought. There is a lot of strong language and extremely graphic and unusual sex scenes. What saved this book from being just out and out porn was the quality of the writing and the ability to self-reflect on his behavior and explain it. My favorite parts of the book were not the sex scenes, and I actually wish some of the things that are touched on, like his relationship with John Lennon and Norman Mailer, were given more prominence in the book.
There is very little about Jeffrey's life as described in this book that appeals to me or that I can relate to. Which is why he really pulled off a writer's coup when he made me understand where he was coming from. In a nutshell, he views sex unemotionally, except with the one he is devoted to. In his own twisted way, he is rather monogamous. With everyone but his beloved, sex is a sensual pleasure with no more connection to emotion than I feel to the bottle when I drink a good, complex red wine. He views everything and everyone with an eye towards pleasure, and I'd imagine this was a good part of his charm back in the day. It gives him pleasure to please others, and the happier the people are that he is around, the happier he is. It was interesting, from a sociological standpoint, to read how he dealt with jealousy at orgies when he went with a 'date.' I didn't get the impression that he was trying to shock or impress. He was like anyone else telling you about this great time he had. He has no filter and no shame (which I can tell you from speaking to him recently has carried through the decades). Whether you approve of what he did or didn't, it is an unvarnished, well written history of a subculture that existed in the day when everything could be cured with penicillin.
There are a lot of comparisons to Fifty Shades of Gray in the reviews, probably because of the BDSM elements. Beyond the presence of a whip or two, there is no relation between the two books. Like the subject matter or not, this book is literature, giving insight into characters (real people) you couldn't have dreamed up yourself and giving thought to what concepts like jealousy, pleasure, and morals really are.
This book isn't for everyone, although with the popularity of Fifty Shades of Gray (which I thought was awful, by the way) I suppose it is for more people than I thought. There is a lot of strong language and extremely graphic and unusual sex scenes. What saved this book from being just out and out porn was the quality of the writing and the ability to self-reflect on his behavior and explain it. My favorite parts of the book were not the sex scenes, and I actually wish some of the things that are touched on, like his relationship with John Lennon and Norman Mailer, were given more prominence in the book.
There is very little about Jeffrey's life as described in this book that appeals to me or that I can relate to. Which is why he really pulled off a writer's coup when he made me understand where he was coming from. In a nutshell, he views sex unemotionally, except with the one he is devoted to. In his own twisted way, he is rather monogamous. With everyone but his beloved, sex is a sensual pleasure with no more connection to emotion than I feel to the bottle when I drink a good, complex red wine. He views everything and everyone with an eye towards pleasure, and I'd imagine this was a good part of his charm back in the day. It gives him pleasure to please others, and the happier the people are that he is around, the happier he is. It was interesting, from a sociological standpoint, to read how he dealt with jealousy at orgies when he went with a 'date.' I didn't get the impression that he was trying to shock or impress. He was like anyone else telling you about this great time he had. He has no filter and no shame (which I can tell you from speaking to him recently has carried through the decades). Whether you approve of what he did or didn't, it is an unvarnished, well written history of a subculture that existed in the day when everything could be cured with penicillin.
There are a lot of comparisons to Fifty Shades of Gray in the reviews, probably because of the BDSM elements. Beyond the presence of a whip or two, there is no relation between the two books. Like the subject matter or not, this book is literature, giving insight into characters (real people) you couldn't have dreamed up yourself and giving thought to what concepts like jealousy, pleasure, and morals really are.
February 27, 2013
I was given this copy in exchange of a honest review - Thanks!
I'm torn between 3 and 4 so it's really 3 and half stars for me. Overall, I liked the book even though there are some scenes where I felt that were jumped to the past suddenly from the "present" and it didn't make it flow smooth, at least for me. However, I did understand the necessity for the author to did it this way. It's really like flashbacks and I definitely think that they are necessary when I read the ending of the book. I didn't understand the point of some topics that Jeffrey spoke about until then. So expect that!
This is considered a memoir with BDSM themes - I think that it's true but I also see it as how Jeffrey's relationship with Laura was developed and S&M was brought into it. I don't often read memoirs based on a relationship or a few relationships but this was definitely interesting. And usually I'm not turned off by drugs (yes, there are drugs mentioned in it... quite a bit, I'll tell you!) but wow.... Drugs were definitely big things in early 1980s (which the relationship took place) as well as sex. There were definitely few scenes that I found humorous and one or two scenes that I found myself envying that I wasn't born in that time, yet.
To me, Jeffrey was talking to me the whole time I read this book. He would tell me his experiences and how he met Laura and how their relationship took off even though she was a hooker. Definitely interesting for me to think about. In fact, this book definitely helps me to understand my in-laws much better now, actually. I adore them still, but sometimes I wonder how it happened like that and I know it had something to do with 70s and 80s. But the way Jeffrey told it, it definitely made sense and how they are. I definitely think that these decades were what made them who they are today. It also gives me insight into my family as well. I was born in mid-80s so I never experienced these decades as a youngster or an adult as Jeffrey was so I didn't understand what was going on. I know a LOT was going on, but not exactly what. This book definitely helped me to understand even though it was from only one perspective with some of Laura's segments in.
So I like it in some areas and I really liked in others. Will I re-read it? I doubt it, but definitely an entertaining book for me to read and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in these decades or someone that I would discuss about drugs and sex.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 so it's really 3 and half stars for me. Overall, I liked the book even though there are some scenes where I felt that were jumped to the past suddenly from the "present" and it didn't make it flow smooth, at least for me. However, I did understand the necessity for the author to did it this way. It's really like flashbacks and I definitely think that they are necessary when I read the ending of the book. I didn't understand the point of some topics that Jeffrey spoke about until then. So expect that!
This is considered a memoir with BDSM themes - I think that it's true but I also see it as how Jeffrey's relationship with Laura was developed and S&M was brought into it. I don't often read memoirs based on a relationship or a few relationships but this was definitely interesting. And usually I'm not turned off by drugs (yes, there are drugs mentioned in it... quite a bit, I'll tell you!) but wow.... Drugs were definitely big things in early 1980s (which the relationship took place) as well as sex. There were definitely few scenes that I found humorous and one or two scenes that I found myself envying that I wasn't born in that time, yet.
To me, Jeffrey was talking to me the whole time I read this book. He would tell me his experiences and how he met Laura and how their relationship took off even though she was a hooker. Definitely interesting for me to think about. In fact, this book definitely helps me to understand my in-laws much better now, actually. I adore them still, but sometimes I wonder how it happened like that and I know it had something to do with 70s and 80s. But the way Jeffrey told it, it definitely made sense and how they are. I definitely think that these decades were what made them who they are today. It also gives me insight into my family as well. I was born in mid-80s so I never experienced these decades as a youngster or an adult as Jeffrey was so I didn't understand what was going on. I know a LOT was going on, but not exactly what. This book definitely helped me to understand even though it was from only one perspective with some of Laura's segments in.
So I like it in some areas and I really liked in others. Will I re-read it? I doubt it, but definitely an entertaining book for me to read and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in these decades or someone that I would discuss about drugs and sex.
August 29, 2013
Laura Meets Jeffrey, how do I even begin?
I really have to say that I am very much in awe of the writing prowess of Jeffrey Michelson. He is at once divinely eloquent and supreamly trashy. One minute I'm using the dictionary to learn of a word I am unfamiliar with and the next giggling and snorting at his use of "colorful" words and phrases. It has got to be really good if it is going to make me snort.
This Erotic Memoir is lascivious and shameless in all the right ways; with Jeffrey painting scenes in just the right amount of detail and evoking the perfect measure of emotion. He dives into the telling of his story and gets to the sordid details without hesitation in a way that you might yourself when spilling the beans about last nights date to your best friend.
Reading Laura Meets Jeffrey: An Erotic Memoir strikes me as being similar to the experiance of sitting in a friends livingroom, having a couple drinks, and listening to their uncle tell you about his glory days. It's full of "No way!" moments and "I can't believe he just said that!" sentences. A fantastic telling of both his personal history and of the time at large, which so many of us have never heard about. I had no idea just how deep the rivers of "free-love" ran in those days!
There is very little sweet in this love story, if I can really call it that. It's more than a love story but it does circle around the namesake couple predominantly. It is spicy and tangy but not in the least bit bitter, however the love story is trying. It had me saying things like, "God, no!" or "Really!?" and "Ohhh, why?", because it was real. The reality of it was asinine while being completely reasonable as part of the human condition. Hopeful and heart-wrentching as only we humans can be.
Jeffrey deposits, here and there, beautiful words of wisdom, ones that he clearly had learned himself - the hard way. Both Laura and Jeffrey will have you lauging, gasping and everywhere in between, and you even get a personal picture of some famous and influental people. I do wish we had heard more from Laura. I had this image of her telling the story while laughing (ha, ha, ha, is actually used in the writing) and slapping her knee as more memories rushed her mind. I believe it would have added to an already amazing read.
What's not to like? This is a definite must read folks. You'll be glad you did!
I really have to say that I am very much in awe of the writing prowess of Jeffrey Michelson. He is at once divinely eloquent and supreamly trashy. One minute I'm using the dictionary to learn of a word I am unfamiliar with and the next giggling and snorting at his use of "colorful" words and phrases. It has got to be really good if it is going to make me snort.
This Erotic Memoir is lascivious and shameless in all the right ways; with Jeffrey painting scenes in just the right amount of detail and evoking the perfect measure of emotion. He dives into the telling of his story and gets to the sordid details without hesitation in a way that you might yourself when spilling the beans about last nights date to your best friend.
Reading Laura Meets Jeffrey: An Erotic Memoir strikes me as being similar to the experiance of sitting in a friends livingroom, having a couple drinks, and listening to their uncle tell you about his glory days. It's full of "No way!" moments and "I can't believe he just said that!" sentences. A fantastic telling of both his personal history and of the time at large, which so many of us have never heard about. I had no idea just how deep the rivers of "free-love" ran in those days!
There is very little sweet in this love story, if I can really call it that. It's more than a love story but it does circle around the namesake couple predominantly. It is spicy and tangy but not in the least bit bitter, however the love story is trying. It had me saying things like, "God, no!" or "Really!?" and "Ohhh, why?", because it was real. The reality of it was asinine while being completely reasonable as part of the human condition. Hopeful and heart-wrentching as only we humans can be.
Jeffrey deposits, here and there, beautiful words of wisdom, ones that he clearly had learned himself - the hard way. Both Laura and Jeffrey will have you lauging, gasping and everywhere in between, and you even get a personal picture of some famous and influental people. I do wish we had heard more from Laura. I had this image of her telling the story while laughing (ha, ha, ha, is actually used in the writing) and slapping her knee as more memories rushed her mind. I believe it would have added to an already amazing read.
What's not to like? This is a definite must read folks. You'll be glad you did!
March 1, 2013
(Disclaimer: novel obtained by Feb BOM comp in the BDSM Group)
Undecided between 3.5 and 4 stars
I’m still not quite sure what to think about this novel. Yes it’s outside of my comfort zone being M/F, but my rating isn’t affected by that. I entered the comp because I have a love of non-fiction, especially when it comes to BDSM and the relationships surrounding this lifestyle.
I will say that Michelson captured the 1970-80’s era in a unique and fascinating way: Yoko’s incident with the washing machine being hilarious (I’m surprised she even remembered the rest of the Beatles’ names). But at other times I struggled, more through socio-cultural differences than anything else (I’m English and I had to look up Norman Mailer etc). The majority of my stars go towards capturing that era as it did give you that live world-building feeling. I did love the part about the Saturday morning boxing club and Jeff’s encounter with Ryan O’Neal.
When it comes to the sex scenes in the novel, Jeffrey came across as having one hell of a libido. I know a little about coke and how it can stir rougher/longer sex scene for some users, which most certainly contributed to Jeff’s self-confessed sexual prowess, but I still felt as though it was a little too over-mentioned at times. Jeff himself comes across as your strong Dom, with the tendency to try and hide the little boy wanting to be loved beneath layers of macho roughness, yet the phrase too many sweets spoils your dinner kept coming to mind. I couldn’t rest easily on whether Jeff really wanted to settle in a long-term relationship or just run with sleeping with as many women as possible.
Laura. She had many strong characteristics: making sure her debts were paid, a tethering to a strong sense of fidelity to long-standing partners, and I like how she was handled during the narrative with Jeff. I did come away with that touch of a Cinderella feel with her, though:
I just couldn’t escape that there was more fiction than ‘non’ in this. The author does make a “note to the memoir police” in the beginning of the book, though, and that’s worth noting. Not a bad read overall, just a little too macho for my tastes. Others may differ.
Undecided between 3.5 and 4 stars
I’m still not quite sure what to think about this novel. Yes it’s outside of my comfort zone being M/F, but my rating isn’t affected by that. I entered the comp because I have a love of non-fiction, especially when it comes to BDSM and the relationships surrounding this lifestyle.
I will say that Michelson captured the 1970-80’s era in a unique and fascinating way: Yoko’s incident with the washing machine being hilarious (I’m surprised she even remembered the rest of the Beatles’ names). But at other times I struggled, more through socio-cultural differences than anything else (I’m English and I had to look up Norman Mailer etc). The majority of my stars go towards capturing that era as it did give you that live world-building feeling. I did love the part about the Saturday morning boxing club and Jeff’s encounter with Ryan O’Neal.
When it comes to the sex scenes in the novel, Jeffrey came across as having one hell of a libido. I know a little about coke and how it can stir rougher/longer sex scene for some users, which most certainly contributed to Jeff’s self-confessed sexual prowess, but I still felt as though it was a little too over-mentioned at times. Jeff himself comes across as your strong Dom, with the tendency to try and hide the little boy wanting to be loved beneath layers of macho roughness, yet the phrase too many sweets spoils your dinner kept coming to mind. I couldn’t rest easily on whether Jeff really wanted to settle in a long-term relationship or just run with sleeping with as many women as possible.
Laura. She had many strong characteristics: making sure her debts were paid, a tethering to a strong sense of fidelity to long-standing partners, and I like how she was handled during the narrative with Jeff. I did come away with that touch of a Cinderella feel with her, though:
I just couldn’t escape that there was more fiction than ‘non’ in this. The author does make a “note to the memoir police” in the beginning of the book, though, and that’s worth noting. Not a bad read overall, just a little too macho for my tastes. Others may differ.
October 3, 2012
Laura Meets Jeffrey is marketed as a real life Fifty Shades of Grey. Laura Bradley meets Jeffrey Michelson when she's working in an upscale New York City brothel in 1980. They quickly go from prostitute and client to having a relationship. Laura continues to turn tricks for money, as it's damn good money she needs, plus she really enjoys her job-she loves sex and getting paid for it is a huge added bonus.
Jeffrey is an ad designer, and together, he and Laura spend the eighties taking full advantage of the sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle. Prostitution, swinging, glory holes and orgies are the name of the game-before sexually transmitted diseases, particularly AIDS, put paid to that lifestyle.
In private, though, their sex life is still wild and thrilling. Laura has a penchant for being hurt-and Jeffrey eagerly steps into that role. However, it gets to the stage where it's not enough for Laura, and their sexual exploits become more and more extreme.
Along the way, Jeffrey is discovered by John Lennon, and works for him and Yoko, Apple Records and the Rolling Stones. Other notable things he does is create Puritan, the world’s largest-selling explicit sex magazine, and box with Ryan O’Neal and Jose Torres.
I found this book to be a really interesting insight into 1980s New York and America, orgies, S&M, sex addiction and more. It is a memoir, so it's written (presumably) from truth, as opposed to simply trying to titillate the reader. As a result, it's only going to be erotic if the things written about are your thing.
There was just so much going on that I had to keep taking breaks from reading the book. I also had no idea who many of the famous people mentioned were, but I don't think that really made much difference. Overall, this was a fascinating and educational read about the era.
Jeffrey is an ad designer, and together, he and Laura spend the eighties taking full advantage of the sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle. Prostitution, swinging, glory holes and orgies are the name of the game-before sexually transmitted diseases, particularly AIDS, put paid to that lifestyle.
In private, though, their sex life is still wild and thrilling. Laura has a penchant for being hurt-and Jeffrey eagerly steps into that role. However, it gets to the stage where it's not enough for Laura, and their sexual exploits become more and more extreme.
Along the way, Jeffrey is discovered by John Lennon, and works for him and Yoko, Apple Records and the Rolling Stones. Other notable things he does is create Puritan, the world’s largest-selling explicit sex magazine, and box with Ryan O’Neal and Jose Torres.
I found this book to be a really interesting insight into 1980s New York and America, orgies, S&M, sex addiction and more. It is a memoir, so it's written (presumably) from truth, as opposed to simply trying to titillate the reader. As a result, it's only going to be erotic if the things written about are your thing.
There was just so much going on that I had to keep taking breaks from reading the book. I also had no idea who many of the famous people mentioned were, but I don't think that really made much difference. Overall, this was a fascinating and educational read about the era.
January 17, 2013
I was given to book from the author for honest review. The original review can be found on Genuine Jenn
This is a really different type of book. I have heard about the Fifty Shades series and I have it on my shelf to be read. This from a conversation with a friend will blow Fifty Shades out of the water. This is real life.
I finished it a couple weeks ago but thought I needed some time to form my thoughts for this review. Still as I sit here and write this review I think WOW! Someone actually lived this! Crazy stuff. This is a memoir wrote from mostly Jeffrey but Laura adds her thoughts also though out the book. Having Laura confirming the events makes it more validated I guess from a women's perspective. Jeffrey shares his life in the orgy, swingers, hookers life. He also shares about boxing and his work. This memoir would be either for ladies and gentlemen interested in learning more about the sex,drugs and rock n roll phase. I felt while reading this book I was sitting with Jeffrey having coffee as he is telling me about what happened the night before. It really feels like a conversation that just reading a book.
If you are willing to keep an open mind and learn what went on through Jeffrey and Laura's life you will enjoy this book. Be prepared for humor, lots of hard core sex and just to be really perplexed. Many times I thought WOW this is crazy, this actually happened. People actually did this. It was an eye opener for sure. Nothing is left out of this book, the good, the bad and the ugly. You will get it all. Be prepared to not read this one out in public or you may have explaining to do with some of the chapter headings. Lived that when my husband looked over and saw Anal Sex in bold!
This is a really different type of book. I have heard about the Fifty Shades series and I have it on my shelf to be read. This from a conversation with a friend will blow Fifty Shades out of the water. This is real life.
I finished it a couple weeks ago but thought I needed some time to form my thoughts for this review. Still as I sit here and write this review I think WOW! Someone actually lived this! Crazy stuff. This is a memoir wrote from mostly Jeffrey but Laura adds her thoughts also though out the book. Having Laura confirming the events makes it more validated I guess from a women's perspective. Jeffrey shares his life in the orgy, swingers, hookers life. He also shares about boxing and his work. This memoir would be either for ladies and gentlemen interested in learning more about the sex,drugs and rock n roll phase. I felt while reading this book I was sitting with Jeffrey having coffee as he is telling me about what happened the night before. It really feels like a conversation that just reading a book.
If you are willing to keep an open mind and learn what went on through Jeffrey and Laura's life you will enjoy this book. Be prepared for humor, lots of hard core sex and just to be really perplexed. Many times I thought WOW this is crazy, this actually happened. People actually did this. It was an eye opener for sure. Nothing is left out of this book, the good, the bad and the ugly. You will get it all. Be prepared to not read this one out in public or you may have explaining to do with some of the chapter headings. Lived that when my husband looked over and saw Anal Sex in bold!
December 27, 2012
HOLY MOLY! This is my first memoir, but not (far from) my first erotica. This book reads more like a happy hour conversation with a good friend; a friend that discusses sex (L-O-T-S of sex), relationships, drugs, and occasionally work. This book is several decades of Jeffery's hold-nothing-back lifestyle; the good, the bad, and the ugly. I had to periodically remind myself that this is a memoir, I was sure someone with this sex drive must be a fantasy. If the makers of the Energizer Bunny could bottle this energy they would double their profit.
Jeffery and Laura's first encounter was electrifying. Soon after they are couple that lives a life without fear of consequences. Their sexual lifestyle is equally wild; no limits, sometimes animalistic, nether less, still HOT. Laura, who is a beautiful bombshell that would make women lust, is also a sex addict (I don't have a medical degree, but I'm officially diagnosing her), oh and a prostitute. And let's not forget about Jeffery, he's equally as sexual and willing to share his prize possession. Their relationship is daringly untraditional; yet they trust, respect, and protect each other boundlessly.
Periodically Laura provides tidbits of her point of view. Her contribution, in my opinion, increases the strength of the story. In most erotic stories the boundary of pleasure and pain is a very faint line. Laura's sexual appetite range from vanilla to warlike. At times I was disturbed and confused by her extreme desires, on the other hand, who am I to critique her preferences.
This is a book you have to read from cover to cover to fully understand and appreciate the story. As life progresses things change (...there's the cliff hanger!). The last few chapters provide much needed detail and closure to an extreme, intense, and full of action (sexual and more) memoir.
Jeffery and Laura's first encounter was electrifying. Soon after they are couple that lives a life without fear of consequences. Their sexual lifestyle is equally wild; no limits, sometimes animalistic, nether less, still HOT. Laura, who is a beautiful bombshell that would make women lust, is also a sex addict (I don't have a medical degree, but I'm officially diagnosing her), oh and a prostitute. And let's not forget about Jeffery, he's equally as sexual and willing to share his prize possession. Their relationship is daringly untraditional; yet they trust, respect, and protect each other boundlessly.
Periodically Laura provides tidbits of her point of view. Her contribution, in my opinion, increases the strength of the story. In most erotic stories the boundary of pleasure and pain is a very faint line. Laura's sexual appetite range from vanilla to warlike. At times I was disturbed and confused by her extreme desires, on the other hand, who am I to critique her preferences.
This is a book you have to read from cover to cover to fully understand and appreciate the story. As life progresses things change (...there's the cliff hanger!). The last few chapters provide much needed detail and closure to an extreme, intense, and full of action (sexual and more) memoir.
January 7, 2013
First off I think it should be named... Jeffery meets Laura, since it's 85% his story of meeting her. I'm not a big fan of memoirs even they tend to interest me on some level. I am a true romance novel reader & that formula writing works for me. You can place any setting & any time in the mix but bones are still the same. So when I started reading this on the trolley going to work in mornings, it took me a little while to get in to it. The kind of life Jeffery lived is foreign to me, but I do like how he walked me in by letting me know the how this was sorta normal in the specific time & places he was in. Also by giving it so much context I totally got why it was normal to him to go to a whore house while walking home. One of the issues have is....I do question that Laura could have all that unprotected sex with strangers & not have gotten any std's. I mean come on! If we are talking about the time before AIDs, that fine but there were plenty of other diseases she could have gotten or spread. Jeffery as well could have gotten them. Since this was a no hold bar look into this kinda of life it should also include consequences of it as well. This is including pregnancy since only a few times condom's we're mentioned.
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